6 Gift Ideas Born and Raised in St. Louis

6 Gift Ideas Born and Raised in St. Louis

This holiday season, when thinking of unique gifts for family and friends, look no further than your own backyard. These six local companies will help you spread St. Louis-themed holiday cheer near and far.

Roughneck Beard CompanyBlended, bottled and packaged in St. Louis, ROUGHNECK products aim to keep the ever-growing population of bearded men full, smooth and proud. Musician, dad and company founder Brad Jackson is all about the beard life. On his personal journey to grow a “righteous beard,” he began researching and formulating this line of oils, balms, waxes and sprays to promote confidence among his bushy brothers. All-natural, organic ingredients, combined with science and art, pack the most beard benefits into each bottle.

Image courtesy of JORD.

JORD“Wear time well” is the motto at JORD. The company, run by artists, designers, marketers and minders, manufactures luxury, handcrafted, all-natural wood timepieces. The watches—for men and women—are fashioned for a modern lifestyle and tell more than time. JORD values sustainability, efficiency and experimental living, and its customer service is second to none, according to shoppers. It’s the perfect gift for a special someone who understands just how precious time is.

Image courtesy of Arch Apparel.

Arch ApparelAustralian-born Aaron Park, who first came to the United States as an exchange student in 2006, now calls St. Louis home. He created Arch Apparel as a way to represent his new city with style and comfort. More than a streetwear brand inspired by our town, Arch Apparel functions as a vehicle for highlighting all the creative forces at work here. We all have loved ones who would be proud to sport a t-shirt that reads ‘St. Louis’ or ‘314,’ who need a new hoodie for Blues games or want a beanie with an STL logo. This is a one-stop shop for their presents.

Image courtesy of Big Heart Tea Co.

Big Heart Tea Co.Big Heart Tea Co. uses whole ingredients and grinds them fresh, in small batches, to extract each herb’s best flavor and healing power. Under the slogan “Handcrafted by Babes,” the St. Louis-based, woman-owned company is on a mission to make people feel good through ethically sourced teas and organic, medical-grade botanicals. Curated gift sets and gift satchels are available online, as well as signature tea bundles, or individual boxes of tea make for cute stocking stuffers.

Whittle Shortline RailroadThe Whittle Shortline Railroad was born in a family’s garage in Kirkwood in 1996. To this day, the company crafts wooden toy trains by hand, in a factory three miles from where it all began. It has obtained licensing and patents over the years to solidify itself as a top-tier product and maintains its standard for high-quality, realistic North American model trains. From boxcars to hoppers, engines to cabooses, all the pieces are compatible with major wooden toy train railways. Your train-loving tots can create a Whittle wish list online and then ride the rails for the rest of the year.

Image courtesy of Forest Park Forever.

Forest Park ForeverA photo book published by the private nonprofit conservancyForest Park Forever is a wonderful gift for those who value the city’s green lung, appreciate photography or have an empty space on their coffee table. “Forest Park: Snapshots of a St. Louis Gem” captures the most beautiful parts of the 1,300-acre area. From the Grand Basin and Steinberg Skating Rink to Round Lake Vista and the vernal pond in Kennedy Forest, you’ll spot recognizable landmarks and uncover hidden corners throughout the collection.